Half Bath Renovation Under $600
Since this property is a short term rental, the budget for the bathroom was $600. Today, that doesn’t get you much but if you’re resourceful and willing to learn some new skills you can accomplish more than you think.
The original bathroom had dated floor covering, a medicine cabinet, awkward wall shelving, an old ceiling light and a noisy fan. Given the backorder and cost of vanities I decided to give a DIY I stumbled on a try and it came out better than expected. The detailed steps for spraying the vanity are below should you want to try it yourself!
If you’re going to do an accent wall, opt for a fun printed wallpaper instead of a different color paint. It will add a unexpected pop to the room and hopefully make all your guests want to take a photo!
DIY Vanity Update
Due to cost and timing I kept the original vanity and simply updated it with Rust-oleum Appliance Epoxy, paint, new faucet and hardware.
The trick to using this Rust-oleum product is research and patience. Rust-oleum products are known to smell TOXIC so always use proper PE. I recommend showercap, gloves, N-95 mask etc.
Step-by-step Process:
Prep area by removing faucet, taping off vanity edges and covering walls with painters plastic
TIP: With the door closed, lay an old towel or rag down to prevent the spray from seeping into other areas of your house.
Clean vanity with soap/product and water.
Use 120 grit sandpaper to scuff up the entire surface (must have texture in order for product to stick)
Wash and clean the surface again extremely well! Make sure area is bone dry.
Use a Tack Cloth and wipe over entire surface before applying the spray
TIP: Use a spray can holder as this product is known to drip and you DO NOT WANT ANY DRIPS
With PATIENCE, start applying the first coat in small sections at a time until the entire vanity is covered in new white wet paint. DO NOT LET ANYTHING TOUCH THE SURFACE
Wait 24 hours, go back and apply the second coat.
If you have taped along the walls/edges of your vanity with painters tape, carefully remove the painters tape while the product is wet. Give it another 24 hours to dry.
To update the cabinets, remove the doors and hardware. Prep with a primer if not already painted and choose a color of your liking. I did Tate Olive by B.M.
Peel and Stick Wallpaper
The real show stopper for this transformation was the peel and stick wallpaper, made by Scott Living (The Property Brothers), which I found at Lowe’s for $46.98 a roll. To cover this accent wall took ~2 rolls. What I like most about it, it’s super forgiving and if you mess up, you can easily peel it off and reapply. I purchased a wallpaper kit on Amazon and now keep the tools in my Husky bag for any project. I also had a hairdryer on standby in case I needed to lift and restick or match up the seams.
Products & Paint Colors
